Dominican Republic — Weather

Northeast Atlantic Ocean trade winds and high altitudes help cool the Dominican Republic’s year-round hot tropical weather. Santo Domingo’s average temperatures are slightly over 80°F in July, whereas in Cordillera Central highs are slightly under 65°F. The temperature can plummet to the freezing point at the Dominican Republic’s highest altitudes.

The rainy season in most of the Dominican Republic lasts from May to November, with the exception of the north coast, which runs from November to January. The mountainous northeast receives far more rainfall than the western valleys close to the Haitian borders. The most severe of the Dominican Republic’s hurricanes usually strike between June and October.

Best Time to Visit the Dominican Republic

People from different parts of the world have differing opinions on the best time of year to visit the Dominican Republic. Many North American travelers prefer to come between mid-December and mid-April to escape the bitter cold winters. European visitors, on the other hand, prefer to come in the middle of their own summer holiday season.

April and May are the best times weather-wise and for crowds after the North American high season ends and before the annual hurricane season begins. Those coming in late May through November will still encounter plenty of dry, sunny days, even though it is technically rainy season. Like many other regions in the Caribbean, visitors have plenty of advance warning for severe hurricanes and sightseeing may only be interrupted by brief showers.